Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Republic of Moldova's EU accession process and decentralization reform require stronger inter-communal cooperation to improve the planning and delivery of essential public services that benefit equally men and women, including from marginalized/vulnerable groups. While Intercommunal Development Associations (IDAs) have significant potential to support integrated territorial development, they continue to face legal, institutional, and capacity constraints. The project will support the Government of the Republic of Moldova, through the State Chancellery and partner local authorities, to strengthen the inter-communal cooperation framework by improving the regulatory framework, developing and piloting an integrated strategic planning methodology for IDAs, and establishing a digital platform for coordination and knowledge sharing. The project will also facilitate peer exchange with French local authorities to strengthen capacities in territorial governance, essential and inclusive public service delivery, and access to EU funding, contributing to more effective people-centered local governance and enhanced readiness for EU integration.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the PRIM Project Manager, the Public Services Improvement Analyst ensures the effective and efficient implementation of local public service improvement at local level. The incumbent applies and promotes the principles of results-based management (RBM), as well as a client-oriented approach consistent with UNDP rules and regulations.

Public Services Improvement Analyst works in close collaboration with the Programme Specialist/Cluster Lead and other Project Managers for effective achievement of results and resolving complex project- related issues and information delivery.

The incumbent is expected to exercise full compliance with UNDP programming, financial, procurement and administrative rules, regulations, policies and strategies, as well as implementation of the effective internal control systems.

The incumbent will ensure the provision of development services and products (commensurate with the scope of the project) of the highest quality and standards to national counterparts and clients through applying HRBA and GE approaches. More specifically:

1. Support to local public service improvement issues, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Advise and assist targeted local public authorities to develop and implement capacity building plans in the area of local public service improvement, through participatory community involvement processes.
Promote a participatory, human rights and gender sensitive approach to service provision at local level in close coordination with other local and national partners.
Support the implementation of jointly selected service improvement initiatives, with active participation of community members (using inter-municipal cooperation, PPPs and other tools) and through expansion of the services currently rendered in the urban centers towards the neighboring communities.
Support in general project development, implementation and project-related strategic processes.

2. Ensure provision of top-quality advisory services and facilitation of knowledge building and management, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Provide policy options and high-quality advisory inputs to the project from local development perspective to ensure these are responsive to national policies, priorities and strategic plans, and advance UNDP's corporate goals.
Provide training and capacity building support on local public service improvement.
Make sound contributions to local development-related knowledge networks and communities of practice
Provide solid inputs to project’s analytical products, work plans and progress reports, etc.
Identify and synthesis of best practices and lessons learnt from the field.
Conduct analytical work (e.g. institutional and risk analyses, capacity assessment, policy reviews) community development highlighting UNDP support and strategy. Play an active role in policy advice, strategic thinking, knowledge sharing.

3. Ensure creation of strategic partnerships, focusing on achievement of the following results:

Liaise, synergy and coordination with project partners on common service provision issues.
Prepare substantive briefs on possible areas of cooperation with development partners, contribute to the resource mobilization efforts.
Ensure wide dissemination and visibility of project achievements. Participate in national and international fora, making substantive contributions as appropriate.

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

The key results have a direct impact on the overall successful achievement of the Project. Accurate analysis and presentation of information enhances UNDP's position as a strong development partner. The information provided facilitates decision-making of UNDP management.

Institutional Arrangement

Direct supervisor: PRIM Project Manager.

Competencies

Core Competencies

Achieve results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible
Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

Business Management

Partnerships Management:
- Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and control resources, procedures, and protocols to achieve specific goals.
Customer Satisfaction and Client Management:
- Ability to respond timely and appropriately with a sense of urgency, provide consistent solutions, and deliver timely and quality results and/or solutions to fulfil and understand the real customers' needs.

Business Direction & Strategy

System Thinking:
- Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system.

Business Development

Knowledge Facilitation:
- Ability to animate individuals and groups, internally and externally, and to design and facilitate activities, to share and exchange knowledge, information and ideas. Knowledge of tools and approaches to stimulate active participation, contribution, and exchange.

Digital

Working with Evidence and Data:
- Ability to inspect, cleanse, transform and model data with the goal of discovering useful information, informing conclusions and supporting decision-making.

2030 Agenda: Peace

Governance:
- Governance for Public Goods and Services

2030 Agenda: People

Gender:
- Inclusive governance and women’s participation and representation

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Local Public Administration, Economics, Public Finances, Public Law, or related field is required, or 
A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Applicants with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field of study are not required to have professional work experience.
Applicants with a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) are required to have a minimum of 2 years of experience at the national or international level in the field of policy development, with substantial recent work experience local development projects with focus on services provision.

Desired skills:

Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems.
Previous experience in development assistance or related work for a donor organization, governmental institutions, NGO or private sector / consulting firm.
Practical experience in inter-municipal cooperation, initiation and implementation.

Languages:

Fluency in English and Romanian is required.
Working knowledge of one or more additional languages relevant for Moldova, including Russian, Bulgarian, Gagauzian, Romani, Ukrainian or sign language would be and asset.

Professional Certificates:

Additional training and certification in project management would be an advantage.

Travel:

Upon necessity, if required.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination.

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

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Project Analyst Public Services Improvement [Open to internal and external applicants]